Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School

Parent Handbook

2009-2010

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

School Board Members

Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Chair Dr. Marta Pérez, Vice Chair

Mr. Agustin J. Barrera, Member Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla, Member

Dr. LawrenceS. Feldman, Member Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman, Member Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway, Member

Dr. Martin Karp, Member Ms. Ana Rivas Logan, Member

Superintendent of Schools Alberto M. Carvalho

Deputy Superintendent, School Operations

Freddie Woodson

TABLE OF CONTENTS Message from Principal School’s Mission Statement Alma Mater Biography of Norma Butler Bossard School Information District Calendar Important Dates Interim Progress Reports Report Cards

Testing Activities Clubs Field trips and Special Activities Parties in School Fundraisers Attendance Policy Attendance Review Committee Excused Absences and Tardies Unexcused School Absence Bringing Pets to School Arrival/Dismissal School Hours Before and After School Care Program Late Arrival Early Dismissal Rainy Day Dismissal Comprehensive Reading Plan Messages and Use of Telephones Lost and Found Cafeteria Food Cost Free Breakfast Free/Reduced Lunch Program PAYPAMS Cafeteria Rules Registration Procedures Confidential Information Parent-Teacher Association (PTA/PTSA) Emergency Contact Information Hall Passes Code of Student Conduct Behavior and Range of Corrective Strategies Student Rights and Responsibilities Dress Code Uniform Policy Cell Phones

Internet Use Policy Health Screening Immunizations Insurance Parent Portal Financial Obligations Grade Reporting Academic Grades

Conduct Grade Point Average Honor Roll Qualifications Interim Progress Report Homework / Make-up Assignments Out of Area Transfer Textbooks Take Home Tuesday Folders Permanent Records Procedures for Addressing Concerns Transportation Eligibility Parking Safety and Security

The Emergency Operations Plan Accident Reports Code Yellow/Code Red Closing of School Fire Drills Transporting Students to School

Bicycles/Skateboards Visitors Elevator Media Center Access Checkout of Books Special Education Clinic Injuries Head lice Medication Student Services

Counselor Request School Psychologist School Social Worker Speech Therapy The Parent Academy Volunteer Program Website

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome back to the 2009-2010 school year at Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School. I am honored to be the principal of a school where the students, teachers, and staff are dedicated to excellence and the commitment and support of the parents and community is legendary.

Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School’s ultimate goal is to maximizing the potential of every child entrusted to our care while fostering a quest for lifelong learning. In order to meet this lofty goal, the staff will work diligently to form a solid academic foundation for your child. We encourage you to be involved in your child’s education by monitoring his/her progress, and maintaining contact with his/her teacher. We invite you to be involved in your child’s education by participating in the many activities that will be offered, throughout the year.

We look forward to future collaboration of home and school that will ensure a safe and positive learning environment that fosters each child’s academic, social, and emotional potential in the quest for lifelong learning and effective citizenship.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your child’s academic journey. Sincerely,

August 24, 2009

Eileen Wood Medina Principal Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School • 15950 SW 144th Street • Miami, FL 33196 • Eileen Wood Medina, Principal

305-254-5200 • 305-254-5201 (FAX) • http://dadeschools.net

NORMA BUTLER BOSSARD

Norma Butler Bossard was born on May 25, 1939, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Irene and Andrew Butler, Sr. She attended D.C. Public Schools and graduated from D.C. Teachers College in 1961. Norma Bossard later earned a Masters Degree from the University of Miami. She spent her first years out of college teaching in D.C. Public Schools and spent the next 18 years teaching elementary school in Tehran, Iran; La Paz, Bolivia; Caracas, Venezuela; where she was the elementary school principal; Hong Kong International School; and Miami, Florida. In the early 1980s, Norma Bossard briefly taught at a private school in Miami before entering the Miami-Dade County Public School System. She was once quoted as saying, “the global experience allowed me to learn new ideas and to shift gears quickly…it kept me stimulated.”

With over 20 years of teaching experience, Norma Bossard quickly climbed the ranks in Miami-Dade County Public Schools, and by 1993 she became the Executive Director of Language Arts/Reading, where her talents were applauded. As a result, she became District Director of Language Arts/Reading for the Miami-Dade County School District. Norma Bossard had a great love of poetry and other literary genre. “She is a Mistress of the Word,” quotes Sabrina Walters of the Miami Herald. One of her favorite books was Patricia Polacco’s Pink and Say. Norma Bossard was the 1996-1997 President of the Organization of Teacher Educators in Reading. She received the Administrator of the Year Award from Phi Delta Kappa, was named the Administrator of the Year by the Miami-Dade Reading Council, and was honored as the University Of Miami School Of Education Distinguished Alumnus of the Year. Norma Bossard has also been featured in The Miami Herald. Norma Bossard’s wish was to place a “Book in Every Student’s Hand”. To celebrate her dedication to this goal, donations of new books were accepted by the Dade Reading Council (DRC) and the Dade County Council of Teachers of English (DCCTE) from book publishers, teachers, principals, parents, and Writing Institute participants. The books became part of hospital libraries that have been placed in the oncology center at Miami Children’s Hospital, the pediatric spinal rehab center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, and the pediatric oncology center at Baptist Hospital. Reading has provided an outlet to help students take an incredible journey into fantasy to relieve them of their pain and suffering. Norma Bossard left such a tremendous impact on how teachers teach reading and language arts that countless community members came together to make her vision a legacy. She loved people with such enthusiasm that you couldn’t help feeling better about yourself around her. Even more than a “Book in Every Child’s Hand,” she put the joy of reading in every child’s heart.

School Information

Office Hours 7:30 am – 6:00 pm School Telephone (305) 254-5200 School Fax (305) 254-5201 Cafeteria Telephone (305) 254-5202 Principal Eileen Wood Medina Assistant Principals Cristal Locke Lorena Somohano Counselors Ryan Adams-Barton Andrea Pastorello Principal’s Secretaries Leah Hartman Dianne Stommes Attendance Clerk Sandra Gudas Registrar Quiarra Bendkowski Before and After School Care Managers Suzette Fraginals Patricia Porras Before and After School Care Program Clerk Shiloh Monroe Media Specialist Eleonora Fleitas Cafeteria Manager Beatriz Babich Head Custodian Grady Stewart

VISION STATEMENT

To create a positive, focused, and nurturing environment where

dreams are only the beginning . . .

MISSION STATEMENT

Recognizing the uniqueness of every student, we will maintain high

expectations for all, to foster success, respect, honesty, and trust. We will

collaborate to provide a creative, high quality, student-centered education,

empowering our future leaders to believe and achieve their dreams.

MOTTO

Readers are Achievers and

Achievers are Believers

Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School

Alma Mater

© 2006 Charmyn M. Kirton

Norma Bossard Elementary School It’s the place where we love to read.

We learn and we play We keep fit every day

Norma Bossard Elementary School!

Our school’s the very best, We’re buzzin’ with success

With reading, writing, math and music, too! Bodies are strong, minds are fit,

Come see what we can do!

Norma Bossard Elementary School It’s the place where we love to read.

We learn and we play We keep fit every day

Norma Bossard Elementary School!

(chant) Norma Butler Bossard Elementary. Norma Butler Bossard Elementary.

Where readers are achievers and achievers are believers! Read! Achieve! Believe you will succeed! Read! Achieve! Believe you will succeed!

Important Dates-Tentative Testing Calendar The calendar will be updated periodically at the district’s website as additional information is obtained about the district, state, national, and international tests administered to the students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Interim Report Distribution Report Card Distribution

September 24, 2009 November 16, 2009

December 3, 2009 February 8, 2010

February 25, 2010 April 19, 2010

May 6, 2010 June 25, 2010

Activities Clubs Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School offers several After School Care Enrichment Programs. These programs include dance, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, photography, art, and reading through technology. These programs are offered in three sessions during the school year for a nominal fee. Field trips and Special Activities Participation in field trips requires that the student present a field trip form signed by the parent/guardian to his/her teacher(s) in advance. In addition, at times vendors who have a “no refund” policy will require schools to pay the full amount of the field trip prior to the event. In this case, students/parents will be notified in advance of the vendor’s “no refund” policy. Parties in School Birthday parties are not allowed. Also, students must earn the right to attend special activities or receive treats by demonstrating good behavior in school. Fundraisers – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5C-1.07 The fundraising activities at Norma Butler Bossard Elementary are usually sponsored by the PTA and are limited to a two week duration. Solicitations shall be permitted only if a student is accompanied by an adult; no soliciting in offices or businesses of any kind. Attendance Policy – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.041 Student attendance is a means of improving student performance and critical in raising student achievement. Together, the staff of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, students, parents and the community must make every effort to lessen the loss of instructional time to students. In order to accomplish this goal, on April 18, 2007, the School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida approved a new Student Attendance Board Rule, which is stated below.

The Attendance Review Committee The Attendance Review Committee is comprised of a student services representative and an administrator and will provide guidance and support to students with significant absences. They are expected to: 1. Provide early intervention by convening when students reach an accumulation of five (5) unexcused

absences in a semester or ten (10) unexcused absences in an annual course. 2. Convene a minimum of six (6) designated times per year. 3. Give consideration to all extenuating circumstances surrounding student absences. The Attendance Review

Committee is charged with the responsibility of prescribing activities designed to mitigate the loss of instructional time and has the authority to recommend the following: a. Issuing of quarterly, semester or final grades. b. Temporary withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades. The following are among possible options:

(1) Make-up assignments (2) Attendance probation for the following grading period(s) (3) Completion of a school service project

c. Permanent withholding of quarterly, semester or final grades and credit. The student is to be informed of his/her right of final appeal to the regional superintendent or designee.

4. Review attendance history for student(s) exhibiting patterns of excused and/or unexcused absences and provide appropriate referrals and counseling support.

Excused School and Class Absences and Tardies 1. Student illness: Students missing 5 or more consecutive days of school due to illness or injury are required to

provide a written statement from a health care provider. The written statement must include all days the student has been absent from school. If a student is continually sick and repeatedly absent from school due to a specific medical condition, he or she must be under the supervision of a health care provider in order to receive excused absences from school.

2. Medical appointment: If a student is absent from school due to a medical appointment, a written statement from a health care provider indicating the date and time of the appointment, must be submitted to the principal.

3. Death in the family. 4. Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all members of a faith that such a holiday

or service be observed. 5. School-sponsored event or educational enrichment activity that is not a school-sponsored event, as

determined and approved by the principal or principal’s designee: The student must receive advance written permission from the principal or the principal’s designee. Examples of special events include: public functions, conferences, and regional, state and national competitions.

6. Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance. 7. Outdoor suspensions. 8. Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/guardian or student, as determined and

approved by the principal or the principal's designee. The principal shall require documentation related to the condition.

Unexcused School Absence Any absence that does not fall into one of the above excused absence categories is to be considered unexcused. Any student who has been absent from school will be marked unexcused until he/she submits required documentation as specified above. Failure to provide required documentation within three school days upon the return to school will result in an unexcused absence. Unexcused absences include: 1. Absences due to vacations, personal services, local non-school event, program or sporting activity 2. Absences due to older students providing day care services for siblings 3. Absences due to illness of others 4. Absences due to non-compliance with immunization requirements (unless lawfully exempted)

Bringing Pets to School Students are not allowed to bring pets to school. Arrival/Dismissal School Hours: Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade ………………………….. 8:30 am – 2:00 pm Grades Two through Five ………………………………………..8:30 am – 3:00 pm Wednesdays (All Grades) ………………………………………. 8:30 am – 2:00 pm All parents are required to show a photo ID and/or the school issued dismissal pass before the student will be released. Every parent will receive two copies of the dismissal pass. Before and After School Care Program A principal-oriented before and after-school child care program is in operation each day school is in session. The before-school program begins at 7:00 am and closes at 8:15 am. The after-school program begins with the first dismissal at 2:00 pm and closes at 6:00 pm. Activities are planned and snacks are provided. You may contact the manager or the clerk of the program for a schedule of charges, registration procedures, and other pertinent information. Late Arrival Students who are tardy to school must report to the office to secure a late pass. Excessive tardies may result in loss of privileges, detention, parent conference, and/or suspension. Late arrivals may be accrued and count towards unexcused absences. Early Dismissal - Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.041 The early release of students causes disruption to the academic performance of all students and may create safety and security concerns. No students shall be released within the final 30 minutes of the school day unless authorized by the principal or principal’s designee (i.e., emergency, sickness). Rainy Day Dismissal Please have an understanding with your child about what he/she is to do on rainy days. (For example: wait for you, go home even if it is rainy). Whatever you decide, explain the plan fully to your child. In case of a heavy downpour of rain at dismissal time, students will be dismissed according to the following plan: 2:00 & 3:00 pm Dismissal:

• Bus students will be escorted to the PE shelter • After School Care students will be taken to the cafeteria • All other students, walkers and parent pick-up, will remain in the dismissal area or in the classrooms • At 2:30/3:20, students remaining in classrooms will be moved to a central location

Comprehensive Reading Plan Students are required to read at least five books or their equivalent during each nine-week grading period, including in-class independent reading and at-home reading. Students must also read for 30 minutes at home as part of their daily homework assignment. The length of the books and the complexity of the content may be taken into account when satisfying this requirement.

Messages and Use of Telephones Telephone messages will not be delivered to students so please do not make the request. Only in an emergency would we feel justified in interrupting a classroom to deliver a message. Since the identity of a caller cannot be verified over the telephone, in the interest of your child’s safety and protection, we will not deliver messages or changes in directions about going home. Students are not permitted to use the office telephone unless an emergency arises or they have been requested by their teacher to do so. Lost and Found Lost items are turned in to the office and kept for a reasonable amount of time. Items not claimed are donated to various charitable institutions. Please clearly label your child’s clothing and personal belongings so they may be returned when found. Cafeteria Food Cost Breakfast All Students No charge Adults $2.00

Lunch Students $2.25 Reduced Price $0.40 Adults $3.00

Free Breakfast The National School Breakfast Program was enacted to ensure that school students are being served a nutritious breakfast daily. Miami-Dade County Public Schools offers breakfast at no charge to all M-DCPS Students. The breakfast at no charge is not dependent on the student qualifying for free/reduced meals at lunch. Free/Reduced Lunch Program The National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs as administered by Miami-Dade County Public Schools provide free and reduced priced meals for students unable to pay the full price. Applications must be filled out every school year; forms are sent to all homes with a letter to parents or guardians the first week of school. Meal benefits begin on the day the application is approved and continue throughout the school year in which the application is approved, the summer, and approximately the first twenty days of the next school year. PAYPAMS Miami Dade County Public School’s Department of Food and Nutrition allows parents/guardians the convenience to pay on-line via the internet or by telephone for student meals with a credit or debit card. The parent/guardians will create a lunch account on-line for the student and will be able to access the following: a. view the account balance b. schedule automatic payments. c. receive low-balance e-mail reminders d. view a report of daily spending and cafeteria purchases Effective for the 2008-2009 school year, students without money on their account will be given a “grace period” of up to five days to allow parents the opportunity to bring the account up to date. On the sixth day, the student will be given an alternate meal. Cafeteria Rules • Keep in a single line • Always be courteous to the cafeteria workers • Always use acceptable table manners • Discard the trash appropriately

Registration Procedures Parents may register children during school hours. If your child is attending a public school for the first time, you must complete and/or turn in the following:

• Student Health Examination form • Certificate of Immunization • Documentation of proof of age • Approved documentation for proof of address • Disclosure at Time of Registration form

Confidential Information Parents, guardians and students are protected by The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and the Florida Statutes from individuals’ access to information in students’ educational records, and provide the right to challenge the accuracy of these records. These laws provide that without the prior consent of the parent, guardian or eligible student, a student's records may not be released, except in accordance with the provisions listed in the above-cited laws. The laws provide certain exceptions to the prior consent requirement to the release of student records, which include, but are not limited to, school officials with a legitimate educational interest and lawfully issued subpoenas and court orders. Parent-Teacher Association (PTA/PTSA) The Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association works with state and national PTAs to support and speak in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting youngsters. They support the faculty and administration in their efforts to improve educational and extracurricular activities in the school and work to encourage parent, student and public involvement at the school as a whole. Emergency Contact Information Student Data/Emergency Contact Cards are distributed during the first week of school. Students are expected to bring the cards home and present them to their parents or guardians. The card must be carefully completed and then returned. The information provided on the Student Data/Emergency Contact Card will enable school staff to contact the parent/guardian immediately in the case of an emergency. Students may only be released from school to the persons listed on the emergency contact card after presenting a picture identification. No persons, other than school staff, will have access to the information submitted. Hall Passes Students should be seated in their classroom no later than 8:30 am. With such a large number of students moving in such a limited time, it is incumbent on each person to move quickly and in an orderly manner observing normal traffic flow. Please do not push, run or loiter in the halls. At no time is a student to be out of the classroom during class without an official pass. Teachers will not give verbal permission for a student to exit the classroom without a pass.

Code of Student Conduct Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) is committed to providing a safe teaching and learning environment for students, staff, and members of the community. On January 16, 2008, the School Board approved a newly revised Code of Student Conduct (COSC). The revised COSC identifies, recognizes, and rewards model student behavior within a framework of clearly established and enforceable rules and policies. It advocates a holistic approach to promoting and maintaining a safe learning environment and requires active participation from students, parents/guardians, and school staff. Students and parents/guardians can access the English and Haitian/Creole versions of the document on the M-DCPS Website located at: http://ehandbooks.dadeschools.net/policies/90/indes.htm or you may request a copy from your student’s school. The Spanish version of this document will be forthcoming. Additionally, M-DCPS is proud to launch SPOTsuccess, an initiative that enhances the COSC. It supports civic, moral and ethical values, encourages a positive and supportive school climate, and allows all school personnel to recognize and reward students for exemplifying model student behavior. Parents/guardians can check to see if their students are recognized through the SPOT success system by creating a Parent Account. For instructions, log on to M-DCPS Website at http://www2dadeschools.net/parents/parents.htm, click on Parent Portal and follow the directions on the screen. If you need additional assistance, you may contact the school.

Student Rights and Responsibilities The rights and responsibilities presented in the Code of Student Conduct reflect the need for providing students with greater opportunities to serve themselves and society, and allow students maximum freedom under law, commensurate with the schools' responsibility for student health, safety, and welfare. Dress Code – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5C-1.031 Students are expected to come to school with proper attention having been given to personal cleanliness, grooming, and neatness of dress. Students whose personal attire or grooming distracts the attention of other students or teachers from their school work shall be required to make the necessary alterations to such attire or grooming before entering the classroom or be sent home by the principal to be properly prepared for school. Students who fail to meet the minimum acceptable standards of cleanliness and neatness as determined by the principal and as specified in this rule shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures. Uniform Policy Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School is a mandatory uniform school. The uniform for boys is as follows: Khaki shorts or pants Navy blue or gold solid polo shirts or, Navy blue/gold blocked polo shirts Shoes or sneakers (no sandals) The uniform for girls is as follows: Khaki shorts, pants, skirts and skorts Navy blue, gold or solid polo shirts Navy blue or gold blocked polo shirts

Shoes or sneakers (no sandals) Boys and girls are also required to wear the school’s t-shirt every Friday. The Friday shirt may be worn with jeans. The shirt must also be worn when participating in Field Trip Activities unless stated otherwise by the classroom teacher. Some Field Trip Activities may require students to be dressed in their school uniform. Parents/Guardians who object to their child(ren) wearing the uniform MUST request an Application for Exemption From the Student Uniform Program from the school office. The application must be completed in full and submitted to the Principal. When the application is received, the principal, or designee, will meet with the parent before the exemption will be approved. Cell Phones Possession of a cellular telephone is not a violation of the Code of Student Conduct (CSC). However, the possession of a cellular telephone which disrupts the educational process; the use of the cellular telephone during school hours; and the possession or use of a cellular telephone which disrupts or interferes with the safety-to-life issue for students being transported on a M-DCPS school bus, would be a violation of the CSC.

Internet Use Policy – see Board Rule 6Gx13- 6A-1.112 Access and use of the Internet is a privilege, not a right, and its use must support the educational objectives of the District. Students must always get permission from their teachers prior to using the internet. In addition, the District prohibits the transmission of materials such as copyright material, threatening or obscene material or material protected by trade secret, which violate local, state, and federal law or regulation, as well as the use of the Internet for product advertisement, commercial activities, political campaigning or solicitation. Health Screening Tuberculosis Clinical Screening - Each student shall have proof of a tuberculosis clinical screening and appropriate follow-up prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School. This screening is to be administered at the time of the Student Health Exam and within twelve (12) months prior to initial enrollment in any grade in a Miami-Dade County Public School. If the screening indicates that a follow-up skin test is needed, a student can be admitted but only with a health provider's statement that the student is free of communicable tuberculosis and can attend school. Immunizations Requirements for School Entry: 1. a complete Florida Certification of Immunization – Blue Card Form DH 680 - according to grade level 2. State of Florida School Entry Health Exam – Yellow Form DH 3040 - no older than 12 months 3. Tuberculosis Clinical Screening, PPD or Chest X-ray. Insurance Parents, your child’s health and well being are important to us. You can purchase student accident insurance to provide coverage in the event your child is injured at school or on a field trip and needs immediate first aid, ambulance, emergency room, or doctor’s attention. The cost is reflected in the accident insurance literature. We have sent an envelope and application for this coverage home with your child. Please attend to this important matter as soon as possible.

Parent Portal Parents/Guardians of all Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ students, including employees, have access to the Parent Portal. In order to access the information in the portal, you must first establish a parent user account. At this time you can see and update your student’s personal information - including grades, attendance, and bus route information, and have access to the Parent Resource link, which takes you to sites such as Parent Academy, School of Choice, etc. Soon, you will also have access to electronic books for each subject; free and reduced lunch applications with balance renewal capability; access to a new Choice application that will allow you to indicate preferential school choice via the portal; and access to the Supplemental Educational Services (SES) component of the No Student Left Behind Act (NCLB).

Financial Obligations All financial obligations incurred, i.e. school fees, textbook loss or damaged, overdue or lost library books, must be paid in the school treasurer’s office. Additionally, fees for the Before and After School Care Program must be paid for by the date due to avoid incurring late fees. Grade Reporting Academic Grades Academic grades will reflect the student’s academic progress based on the competencies/benchmarks for the grade level/course in which the student is enrolled. These grades will not be based upon student’s effort and/or conduct. KINDERGARTEN

GRADES NUMERICAL

VALUE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

GRADE POINT VALUE

E 90-100% Outstanding progress 4 G 80-89% Above average progress 3 S 70-79% Average progress 2 M 60-69% Lowest acceptable progress 1 U 0-59% Failure 0

K-12

GRADES NUMERICAL

VALUE VERBAL INTERPRETATION

GRADE POINT VALUE

A 90-100% Outstanding progress 4 B 80-89% Above average progress 3 C 70-79% Average progress 2 D 60-69% Lowest acceptable progress 1 F 0-59% Failure 0 I 0 Incomplete 0

Conduct Conduct grades will be used to communicate to both students and parents/guardians the teacher’s evaluation of a student’s behavior and citizenship development. These grades are independent of academic and effort grades. Grade Point Average When calculating the grade for a grading period, the following grade point averages will be used:

A = 3.50 and above B = 2.50 – 3.49 C = 1.50 – 2.49 D = 1.00 – 1.49

Honor Roll Qualifications Principal’s Honor

Roll AB Honor

Roll Academic Grades All As All As and Bs Effort All 1s All 1 and 2 Conduct Grades All As All As and Bs Interim Progress Report

Interim progress reports will be sent home when the student is performing unsatisfactorily in academics, conduct, or effort, and will be disseminated to all students at mid-grading periods. Homework / Make-up Assignments Teachers are required to provide students with make-up assignments once the absence has been excused; however, it is the responsibility of the student to request the assignments from the teacher(s). Out of Area Transfer – Board Rule 6Gx13- 5A-1.08 Students in the regular school program (K-12) are assigned to attend school on the basis of the actual residence of their parent or legal guardian and the attendance area of the school as approved by the Board. A student may request an out of area transfer if the student resides with parent or legal guardian, and a change of residence occurs. The Regional Superintendent (or designated Regional Director) may administratively assign or approve the reassignment or transfer of students when the Florida Inventory of School Houses (FISH) capacity of the receiving school is below 105 percent in the 2007-2008 school year; below 100 percent in the 2008-2009 school year, and below 100 percent thereafter. In the event a student with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) requests to attend a school other than the school in which the student is enrolled, parent(s)/guardian(s) must meet with Regional Center special education personnel to ensure that the programmatic needs of the student can be met at the requested school. Textbooks Each student will be issued a textbook for each subject they are taking. Textbooks may be brought home by the student to help complete assigned work. We urge students to care for the books and materials since they are expensive. Parents/guardians are responsible for the cost of lost or damaged books. Take Home Tuesday Folders Take Home Tuesday Folders will be issued to all students. All school wide and important notices will be sent home in the special folders every Tuesday. These folders must be returned on Wednesdays. Students in Grades 3- 5 will also be issued a planner. In an effort to communicate more effectively, students must have the planner in school every day. Please use this planner to communicate with your student’s teacher. The planner should also be used at all parent/teacher and/or administrative conferences. In the event the student loses the planner, they will be required to purchase a new one for $ 5.00. Permanent Records (FYI – from the Student Educational Records Manual) Miami-Dade County Public Schools maintains the records of students in PK-12 and adult/vocational students enrolled in high school completion programs or vocational programs of 450 hours or more. Permanent records consist of the following student information: a) Student’s full legal name b) authenticated birth date, place of birth, race, and sex c) last known address of student d) names of student’s or student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) e) name and location of last school attended f) number of days present and absent, date enrolled, date withdrawn

Procedures for Addressing Concerns For issues involving an individual teacher or class, parents should address their concerns to the following individuals in the order below. Transportation Eligibility Students will be assigned a bus if the distance between the home and the school exceeds two miles, or if the distance between the home and the nearest bus stop exceeds 1 ½ miles. Students who do not meet these requirements are not eligible for transportation services. Special provisions are made for Special Education students. Parking The staff parking lot is for staff use only. The parking lot is never to be used as an area for dropping off and/or picking up students. In the Driveway

• Cars should stay next to the curb that is closest to the building. • Cars should not be left unattended in the driveway from 7:30 am – 8:45 am. • The driveway is for drop-off and pick-up only from 7:30 am – 8:45 am. • In the afternoon, you may park next to the curb closest to the building

Parking

• If you would like to park and pick-up your child/children on the street outside of the school, please do not block private home driveways.

• No parking in the circular driveway in the morning between 7:30 am and 8:45 am. In the afternoon, you may park next to the curb closest to the building.

• No parking or entering in the Bus Loading Zone located at the south side of the building.

Safety and Security The Emergency Operations Plan Student and employee safety is a primary concern of the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) System. The Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) was created to provide school personnel with the necessary leadership skills and knowledge needed to respond to critical incidents or other related emergencies that may occur in our schools /community. All schools have a site specific plan to address all types of critical incidents. These plans address the individual needs of the school, and provide guidelines for devising methods for communicating with the staff, students, parents/guardians, and the media during a critical incident or an emergency. Some of the protective action procedures include the evacuation of students/staff from the building(s), evacuation of the disabled and if necessary the relocation of students/staff from the school campus, lockdown procedures and holding/dismissing students during school and community emergencies. Some important tips for parent/guardians to remember during a Critical Incident are as follows:

• Remain calm; • Monitor media outlets for updates and official messages from M-DCPS; • Do not flood the school with telephone calls; and • If the school is on lockdown, wait until the lockdown is lifted before going to the school.

All school administrators, Regional Center Superintendents/Directors and all M-DCPS Police officers have been adequately trained in the school EOP and are prepared to respond immediately during a critical incident or emergency to provide safety for all students. Accident Reports Any student who witnesses an accident or is injured in school should report it immediately to the nearest staff member. Code Yellow/Code Red In the event of an emergency, the primary responsibility of all school personnel is to provide for the safety of all students. In the event a school administrator announces a possible threat to students and staff safety exists within the community (Code Yellow), or an imminent threat to students and staff safety exists within the school (Code Red) students, faculty and staff will comply with all the procedures outlined in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Critical Incident Response Plan and remain on lockdown until a school administrator makes an “All Clear” announcement. Closing of School The emergency closing of a school for any cause, such as weather or in which the safety of individuals may be endangered, is only at the discretion of the Superintendent of Schools. Fire Drills Ten fire drills will take place according to the Miami-Dade County Public School Policy and Emergency Procedures. At the sound of the emergency bell, students must stop what they are doing and follow the teacher’s instructions. They must clear the building promptly by the prescribed route. Any student who is in the hallway or the restroom at the sound of the emergency bell must proceed to the nearest exit and locate the teacher. Students, teachers and staff must remain outside the building until permission is given to re-enter. Transporting Students to School Parents and driver of cars who are delivering or picking up children from or to school must observe the following safety rules:

• Obey all signs, which are on corners near the school, as well as all other traffic signs. • You may use the circular driveway to drop off your child. No parking between 7:30 am and 8:45 am. • Do not block any private home driveway.

When picking up your child, you must have a dismissal form or photo ID.

Students Who Walk to and from School Parents should review, with their children, the following basic safety rules:

• Always walk on the sidewalk. • Walk with at least one other student. • Do not accept rides from strangers. • Cross streets at the corner and not in the middle of the block. • Use the cross lights at the intersections. • Know the safest and most direct route from home to school

Bicycles/Skateboards Students are allowed to ride their bicycles to school. However, bicycles must be locked in the bicycle area. Bicycles are not allowed to be left on school grounds over night. Skateboards and finger skateboards are NOT permitted in school. Visitors Due to legal regulations, students are not permitted to have guests attend school with them at any time. Parents/guardians are always welcome and tours may be arranged to view the school. Classroom visits require a 24-hour notice. Visitors must first register in the main office, sign-in and produce photo identification. Anyone who fails to follow these procedures will be considered a trespasser and is subject to arrest. Elevator The school elevator is to be used by individuals who are handicapped and cannot use the stairs. Media Center Norma Butler Bossard Elementary School’s media center provides access to information and ideas for all users. The center affords opportunities for students to appreciate literature and the cultural arts. It also fosters students to learn creative thinking skills and become critical seekers of information and ideas. Students will be trained to use instructional and educational technology effectively so they may become independent lifelong learners and decisions makers. Access The media center will open at 8:00 am and close at 6:00 pm, whenever classes are in session to facilitate library usage for students and parents. Parents are encouraged to use the library between the hours of 3:30 pm and 6:00 pm. The media center operates on an open and flexible schedule rather than a fixed schedule. Open scheduling permits access by individual students and small groups. The media center is open throughout the day and teachers may send students to the library at any time during the school day. Checkout of Books Students have a one-week circulation period with the ability to renew or checkout the book for one more week. Students in grades second through fifth may checkout two books at a time. Pre-Kindergarten through first grade students may checkout one book at a time. The media specialist will conduct a scheduled weekly thirty-minute story time and checkout session for Kindergarten and first grade students. Parents may create one account per family and are permitted to checkout up to five library books for one week with the ability to renew or checkout the book for an additional week. This time may not be extended after the two weeks to allow other parents/students the opportunity to read the books. All parents are responsible for payment of lost or damaged books. Your cooperation in helping your student care for these books, and to return them on time is greatly appreciated.

Special Education The School Board of Miami-Dade County ensures that all students suspected of having a disability are identified, evaluated, and provided appropriate, specially designed instruction and related services, if it is determined that the student meets the state's eligibility criteria and the parent consents to initial placement. Prior to referral for evaluation, the student must have participated in the school's Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) program and have been referred to the school's intervention team, known as the Student Support Team (SST). Students with disabilities who are eligible and require special education will have an Individual Educational Plan (IEP). The IEP describes the student's strengths and weaknesses and documents the services and supports the student needs in order to access a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The IEP is a working plan that must be developed by the IEP team at least once every 12 months and reviewed, when appropriate, to revise and address any lack of expected progress toward annual goals, or to consider any new information that has been provided through re-evaluation or by the parent/guardian. Parent involvement in the special education process is very important. Parents will be asked to participate in the IEP process each year and to consider the need for their student's re-evaluation at least once every three years. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that parents of a student with a disability have certain procedural safeguards. The Summary of Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities documents all the information about the rights of parents/guardians. This notice of procedural safeguards is made available to the parent, at a minimum, upon initial referral; or the parent's request for evaluation; upon the school district's refusal to conduct an initial evaluation that the parent has requested; upon each notification of an IEP meeting; upon consent for re-evaluation; upon the school district's receipt of a request for a due process hearing; and any other time the parent may request to receive a copy. Other rights that are presented in the procedural safeguard document include, but are not limited to, the right of prior written notice; informed consent; participation in meetings; records, independent educational evaluation, mediation, state complaint; local education agency complaint; due process hearings; resolution meetings; due process; attorney fees; discipline; and private school placement. As the parent/guardian of a child with disabilities, you are a very important member of the team that plans your student's education. Be informed and get involved. If you have any questions, please contact your student's school. Staff from the special education department and your student's student service provider will help to answer your questions. Additional information may also be found at http://ese.dadeschools.net/.

Clinic A student should not be sent to school if they are showing any signs of illness, especially fever, sore throat, rash, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and/or upset stomach. Sending a sick student to school is not fair to the student or to the other students and staff at the school. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the student will be sent to the school clinic. The clinic is located in the main office. Office personnel will contact you and let you know that the student has reported to the clinic and that they are being taken care of and/or that the student needs to be picked up. Students are given the utmost attention and care to address their needs.

Injuries If a student is injured during the school day, the following procedures will be followed:

• If the injury is minor, the teacher will send the student to the office. • The teacher will notify the office if the child cannot be moved. • The principal, assistant principal, physical education staff, or office personnel will administer basic first

aid. • The parent will be called and the injury described. The Fire Rescue Squad will be called for serious

injuries that require the type of care that school personnel cannot offer. • An accident report will be completed and filed for every incident.

Head Lice Unfortunately, head lice are found from time to time on school children. It is recommended that parents periodically check their children’s hair for signs of lice, especially if the child complains that his/her scalp is itchy or a sibling or close playmate has had lice. Your child’s physician can recommend special shampoos for killing the lice. A student will be sent home if a school personnel confirms that he/she has head lice. Upon returning to school, the student must be checked in the office and checked before returning to class. To prevent an outbreak of head lice, parents should be sure that hair is kept clean. Also, children should be discouraged from using another child’s comb, brush, hat, hair ribbons, or barrettes. Medication Please keep in mind that the administering of medicine to your child outside the doctor’s office or a health institution is a parental responsibility and should not be delegated to school personnel except under unusual circumstances. The administering and dispensing of medicines including non-prescription medication, to students by employees of the school system without authorization by a licensed physician and the parent/guardian of the student is FORBIDDEN. It is, therefore, recommended that parents inform their physician of their student’s school hours in order to encourage the administration of medication at home, whenever possible. If it is absolutely necessary that the student take any medication while he/she is in school, the parent/guardian and the physician must sign a Miami-Dade County School Board authorization form. Please obtain this form in the school office. The medication will be kept in the office to be administered by an office clerk. Please do not ask the classroom teacher to administer medication to your student. Our school personnel will cooperate to the best of their ability within the limitations of these administrative procedures. Student Services Counselor Request The counseling program is available to assist students, parents and teachers develop positive learning experiences. The program consists of a variety of services and activities; including individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, group guidance, referral to other programs and services in the community. The counseling program is an integral part of the elementary curriculum that provides preventative and developmental approaches to all students. It is focused on helping students resolve academic, social, personal and/or emotional concerns that may interrupt the educational process.

The school counselor is responsible for providing direct services to students to help them achieve success in school and prepare them to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society. Parents should call the school (305) 254-5200, for an appointment with the counselor. Students wishing to schedule an appointment with a counselor should write a note and leave it in the counselor’s mailbox. School Psychologist The Guidance Department of Miami-Dade County School System provides each school with the services of a psychologist. With the written consent of the parent, students with persistent academic, social, or emotional problems are referred to the psychologist for diagnostic testing. An effort is made to find the causes for difficulties in order to assist the student, parent, and teacher in helping the student overcome the problem. Our school psychologist is assigned to us two days per week. School Social Worker The social worker is a member of the Student Services Department and is concerned with the student’s personal characteristics, home life and school life. The social worker has both release time and special training as a resource person. He/she acts as a liaison person between the home and the school, encouraging student progress and adjustment. The social worker also emphasizes regular school attendance. Speech Therapy All students enrolled in Miami-Dade County Public Schools who are in need of speech correction, are eligible to attend speech therapy classes. Students may be referred for testing by the classroom teacher and parents. The students who are in need of speech therapy are resourced to the speech teacher during the school day. The Parent Academy The Parent Academy is a free, year-round, parent engagement and skill building program of Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS). The goals are to educate parents about the importance of their role; strengthen the family unit; unite families and schools; and inform parents of their rights, responsibilities and the educational opportunities available to their students and to them personally. In addition, The Parent Academy provides classes and workshops for parents/guardians; organizes Family Learning Events; coordinates the availability of M-DCPS and community resources for parents/guardians and students; and provides professional staff development for school personnel on how to create parent-friendly schools.

Within this framework, The Parent Academy offers classes and workshops developed around the nine subject area strands listed below: • Help Your Student Learn (Example: PASSport to Success – 8 module series) • Parenting Skills (Example: Positive Discipline) • Early Childhood (Example: Developing Early Literacy Skills) • Arts & Culture (Example: Enrich Your Student through Arts and Culture in Miami) • Languages (Example: American Sign Language for Families) • Computer Technology (Example: Parent Portal) • Health and Wellness (Example: Preventing Substance Abuse) • Financial Skills (Example: Financing Your Student’s College Education) • Personal Growth (Example: GED Preparation – offered through Adult Education)

The Parent Academy “campus” is spread throughout every corner of this community, and offers free classes and workshops at over 201 local sites such as public schools, libraries, parks, colleges, private businesses, and neighborhood centers. Monthly calendars are posted in the Course Directory section on The Parent Academy’s Web site at www.theparentacademy.net. The Parent Academy staff members are available to provide parents/guardians, students and school sites with guidance and assistance in scheduling workshops. Staff can be reached at (305) 995-2680. Volunteer Program The School Volunteer Program is responsible for electronic registration, background checks and trainings of volunteers. There are two different levels of volunteerism. Level 1 - complete a database background check Level 2 - complete a fingerprint background check • Day chaperones for field trips • Classroom assistants • Math and/or reading tutors.

• Certified Volunteers • Mentors • Listeners/Oyentes • Athletic/Physical Education assistants • Overnight chaperones.

Any individual interested in volunteering in Miami-Dade County Public Schools must: • Complete Registration Form #1764, date and sign, and submit to the main office. • Show a current valid government-issued identification with picture. • Show a social security card (check name and number). • Complete a background check. • Upon clearance, attend an orientation at the school. Website For additional information, please visit our website: http://bossard.dadeschools.net.

The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida, adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs/activities and programs/activities receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Education, and strives affirmatively to provide equal opportunity for all as required by:

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, or national origin.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, or national origin.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 - prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender.

Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA), as amended - prohibits discrimination on the basis of age with respect to individuals who are at least 40.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963, as amended - prohibits sex discrimination in payment of wages to women and men performing substantially equal work in the same establishment.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 - prohibits discrimination against the disabled.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) - prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in employment, public service, public accommodations and telecommunications.

The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) - requires covered employers to provide up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave to "eligible" employees for certain family and medical reasons.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 - prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of pregnancy, birth, or related medical conditions.

Florida Educational Equity Act (FEEA) - prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin, marital status, or handicap against a student or employee.

Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 - secures for all individuals within the state freedom from discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, handicap, or marital status.

School Board Rules 6Gx13-4A-1.01, 6Gx13-4A-1.32, and 6Gx13-5D-1.10 - prohibit harassment and/or discrimination against a student or employee on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, political beliefs, marital status, age, sexual orientation, social and family background, linguistic preference, pregnancy, or disability.

Veterans are provided re-employment rights in accordance with P.L. 93-508 (Federal Law) and Section 295.07 (Florida Statutes), which stipulate categorical preferences for employment.